Category: News

I can still remember some of the old buildings. The most shocking pictures to me are the ones that show how vacant Owen Road was. It’s now a very busy area with restaurants, shops, car dealerships and schools.

Looking for something to do around Fenton? In today’s post I’ll be sharing three experiences that await you in Fenton. Also, this list isn’t for visitors to this area. These three adventures are for local residents as well. You may just discover a side of Fenton that you never knew existed!

Dauner Martin TrailThe Dauner Martin trail is a hiking and nature sanctuary located totally within the Fenton city limits. It’s a real hidden gem that is open year round from Dawn until Dusk. The land was deeded to the Michigan Nature Association by Robert Martin because he didn’t want to see the land developed or disturbed. On the trail you can find wildflowers, deer, and many other animals. Benches are located along the paths so you can stop and take a seat and enjoy the beautiful views. Parking is available at the entrace to the trail. The trail actually has entrances off of North Leroy St. and also off of Dauner Road.

Fenton MuseumThe Fenton Museum is a great way to take a look into the past and experience how our town was formed. The museum has limited hours, Sundays only from 1:00pm – 4:00 pm but it is definitely worth a visit. You will see room set up in the exactly as they were in the 1800’s. The museum also has a research room where you can find birth and death records and do research on your family or families from the Fenton area. Most of all you will come away with an appreciation of how this great town has developed. If you can’t make it on a Sunday you can make an appointment for other times.

Spicers OrchardSpicers Orchard has a long history in the Fenton area. Located just South of the city between Fenton and Hartland it has been a family owned business for five generations. I remember going there as a kid and recently took my girls there to pick apples. I’m grateful to share an experience I had with my parents and pass that down to a new generation. In recent years Spicers has grown to have more attractions besides the regular Orchard experience. They added a winery in 2009. The winery is open from 11am to 6pm and is located inside the farm market.

Plan a weekend and you could visit all three sites. I’ll be posting about more activities in future posts. You can stay up to date with all the great things happening in Fenton by subscribing to the AroundFenton.com Newsletter. Sign up today!

Maps to Locations

Dauner Martin Trail
Entrances off Dauner Road and North Leroy in Fenton
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Looks like another new restaurant will be opening in Fenton in 2015. They will occupy the old Luigi’s restaurant on North Leroy Street in Fenton. This is a good sign for the area as 2014 was a strong year for new restaurant openings and it looks like 2015 will be as well.

I haven’t heard to much about this restaurant yet other than the signs posted out front. I created a page for their restaurant and will update as more details are released!

Parade starts at 6:00pm
Christmas Tree Lighting following the parade.
Fireworks after the parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Fenton

Parade Route
The parade will start at the corner of Ellen Street and Adelaide and will proceed south on Adelaide to Shiawassee, and then East on Shiawassee to Leroy Street. It will then head North on Leroy to Caroline, and then West on Caroline to West Street.

A long standing Fenton area business will be moving locations and changing its name. Cafe Aroma will soon move into the new Cornerstone building in downtown Fenton. They will also be changing their name to The Rough Draught Coffee and Barroom.

The new location will offer new additions including some coffee infused drinks. The will also be offering beer and an expanded menu. The new location should be open by this Thanksgiving.

The location plans to open at 5:00 am every day and will stay open until 11:00pm Sunday – Wednesday. Thursday – Saturday they will stay open until midnight.

The new Cornerstone building will breathe new life into the Downtown Fenton area and stores like the Rough Draught should bring an exciting night-life with it.

DETROIT, Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — TEDxDetroit is pleased to announce the confirmed list of speakers for the sixth annual ideas and innovation conference. The diverse cast features entrepreneurs, educators, engineers, artists, geeks and doctors – ranging in age from just 12 years old to 65. Each will share their idea worth spreading on stage at the historicDetroit Opera House on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. More than 1,000 attendees are expected to attend TEDxDetroit to spark their creativity and get inspired.

Here is a list of speakers for this year’s event:

Stephen Goldner, CureLauncher

Devita Davison, Food Lab

James Ford Murphy, Pixar Animation Studios

Pashon Murray, Detroit Dirt

Dr. Ann Marie Sastry, Sakti3

Nate Aschenbach and David Arditti, GameStart

Samantha White, Shakespeare Detroit

Paul Armstrong, ChoreMonster

Brian Mulloy, Apigee

John Sauve, Artist – Man in the City

Leon LaBrecque, LJPR

Henry Balanon, Protean

Jorey Chernett, Intrinsic Medical Imaging

Zwena Gray, Kidpreneur

Dr. Joyce Lee, University of Michigan

Indrin Chetty, Henry Ford Health System

Jason Prater, Plex Systems

Claire Nelson, UIX

Debbie Mielewski, Ford Motor Company

Tunde Way, Lagos

Kevin Shinn, Altair

Andy Didorosi, Detroit Bus

The lineup also includes a diverse cast of performers. Rap duo Passalacqua, magician Michael Mode, indie folk group The Accidentals, Joori Jung and ARTLAB J Dance Company, the Detroit Drumline Academy and the Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences Choir under the direction of Angela Kee.

“Every year, our mission is to secure speakers, performers and artists who have a deep connection to the city of Detroit and who have innovative ideas worth spreading,” said Charlie Wollborg, curator of TEDxDetroit and Chief Troublemaker of Curve Idea Accelerator. “And this year is no exception, we’ve selected a group of people who will continue to speak to the inspiration and spirit of Detroit.”

People interested in attending the event are encouraged to register here.

TEDxDetroit is not only meant to create dialogue and action, it also serves as a platform for Michigan social entrepreneurs to share their thoughts, actively apply ideas and ultimately bring positive change to Detroit. TEDxDetroit is proudly sponsored by Cadillac, Quicken Loans, Plex Systems, LJPR, Detroit Venture Partners, Atomic Object, Curve Detroit and Airfoil.

About TEDxDetroitIn the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxDetroit, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxDetroit event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California almost 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world’s leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes on a diverse mix of topics. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The TED2014 Conference takes place in Vancouver, British Columbia, along with the TEDActive simulcast in neighboring Whistler. TEDGlobal 2014 will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

TED’s media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed; and TEDBooks, short e-books on powerful ideas. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world get help translating their wishes into action; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

Mlive.com reports that Kettering University has opened up a new robotics center. The new facility will host eight robotics team from local area schools and will be able to house another eight in the future with a second story expansion.

Governor Snyder and Mayor Dane Walling attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. They highlighted the importance of STEM based programs in the development of our youth.

The Cornerstone is a key component and one of several revitalization projects spearheaded by the Fenton Downtown Development Authority. The 4-story Cornerstone Building will be located at the corner of Leroy and Silver Lake Road. Three key businesses have signed leases.

Chef Shiro Inoue will open a version of the popular Flint restaurant, Sagano Japanese Bistro & Steakhouse. Visitors will enjoy the exotic taste of Hibachi style cooking and the fantastic shows put on for every meal. There will also be a top-notch sushi bar, and lounge.

The bar area will be a great place to meet for a drink after work or late night on weekends. “Fenton already has a few late-night hot spots and we’d like to join the party!” said spokesperson for Sagano. “We looked at retail space in Fenton before, but couldn’t find the right fit. Cornerstone Building will be a beautiful, brand new downtown building, highly accessible from neighboring communities and with ample parking. It’s perfect for us.”

There will be outdoor dining, as well as a private dining room, perfect for special occasions and holiday work parties. Sagano will add a little spice to the flavor of Downtown Fenton, and expects to create 20-30 jobs.

Cafe Aroma, a Fenton favorite for 10 years, is moving to the Cornerstone Building. Stephanie and Andrew Evans, long time Fenton residents, are leasing 1,800 square feet. This is double the space of their current location and will include a full kitchen, expanded menu and a lounge area.

“Now we’ll be closer to our neighboring downtown businesses and feel more connected to the community,” said Stephanie. “The industrial style décor and even some of the menu items will pay tribute to the historic businesses who paved the way for the rest of us.”

They’re brewing up a friendly, relaxing atmosphere in the new space, with reclaimed brick archways, hanging traffic light, historic photos and signs, and custom built barn wood tables by husband Andrew, a Fenton firefighter and finish carpenter. Outdoor seating will let you enjoy breakfast by sunrise or dinner by sunset. For the customer on the go, they’ll offer express pickup at the back door. They will still be serving delicious sandwiches on Crust artisan bread. They’re excited to contribute to the community and will create 25 new jobs to add to their current staff.

Salon 416, a top-of-the-line salon featuring quality, high-end equipment and design will be a welcome addition to the Cornerstone mix. The 2500 square foot space is beautifully designed ‘From Concept to Completion’ by Leslie McGwire, ASID Allied member, renown salon and spa designer, and recipient of 14 national interior design awards. “The soft curves, timeless, classic elements, and artistic mixture of contemporary design along with green sustainable finishes gives this light and airy space a statement of true distinction,” said McGwire, “I never design with only the female in mind. Men should be comfortable in the salon as well.” The cutting edge design that is trendy but still classic enough for all to love will feature a shampoo room independent from the styling space. It will have its own ambient lighting and soft music to provide a calming atmosphere and offer complete relaxation. “It will truly be an experience that you will not forget,” said McGwire. This unique brand new salon will create 25 jobs.

There’s an end unit still available for lease on the first floor. The space is just under 3,000 square feet, and has some of the best visibility and parking, according to Ghassan K. Saab, Project Coordinator, Corlin Builders.

The top three floors will attract new residents to downtown with beautiful one and two bedroom contemporary apartments. The units will include granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, laminate wood flooring, ceramic tile baths, and balcony views of the City and will lease in the range of $900-$1250 per month.

Engineers and architects have been working around the clock to keep the project on schedule. The existing bank building and parking lot will first be demolished, then the foundation laid for the Cornerstone Building. “The building is set to be complete in the winter of 2014, however the stores on the first floor are planning on opening well ahead of that date,” said Saab. “As developers we’re making sure these businesses can open and start earning income as soon as possible, even before the apartments are complete.”

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has awarded $880,000 in both loans and grants to the construction of the building through their Community Revitalization Program. This program provides financial assistance for projects such as the Cornerstone Building, in which developers look to redevelop functionally obsolete properties in downtown areas.

“Without this consideration from the State of Michigan and additional funding by the Fenton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) the project would not have been feasible,” said Saab.

“I want to thank the community for all the support they gave us, as our board members, city administration, architect, developer and realtor have worked well over a year on bringing the City of Fenton a building that truly will be the cornerstone of the downtown district for many years to come,” said Fenton DDA Chairman Craig Schmidt. “This is a major step in the continued revitalization of the downtown district with many more projects in the works as we continue to grow our wonderful downtown into a destination.”

“The City of Fenton is excited that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cornerstone Building in downtown is rapidly approaching. This is a moment the city has been waiting for since Leroy Street was reopened. I take great pride in knowing this project, the developers, the administration and my colleagues are positively affecting the daily economic condition of this great community,” said Mayor Sue Osborn. “The Corlin Group has been outstanding to work with during the entire planning of this project and I want to publicly thank them for their dedication and for connecting our city to such a positive image county and statewide. I know your efforts will always be remembered by me and this community for years to come. I also want to thank the administration for the countless hours they have devoted to this project. We are very fortunate to have this city manager and assistant city manager totally commit themselves to this project and be willing to explore the ability of attracting other developers to our city. For these reasons, the City of Fenton is happy to hold the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony and we would be thrilled to have all of you join us as we begin our journey for the resurgence of our downtown Fenton and another decade of success.”

CFI Medical (www.cfimedical.com) officially launched the Sterile-Z™ Back Table Cover in August. It is the first in a line of innovative covers with this patent-pending technology to effectively maintain the sterile field both during use and the removal process.

There is evidence of a direct link between the amount of time instruments and implants are exposed on a sterile back table and the accumulation of airborne particulates. In fact, there is evidence that back tables can be contaminated in as little as 30 minutes when left exposed to air in the operating room.

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) changed its previous recommendation that sterile fields not be covered. The current recommendation states, “When there is an unanticipated delay, or during periods of increased activity, a sterile field that has been prepared and will not be immediately used may be covered with a sterile drape…When sterile fields are covered, they should be covered in a manner that allows the cover to be removed without bringing the part of the cover that falls below the sterile field above the sterile field.”

“I would like to congratulate CFI Medical for earning the AORN Seal of Recognition for its Sterile-Z Technology education materials,” said Lisa Spruce, DNP, RN, ACNS, ACNP, ANP, CNOR, AORN’s Director of Evidence-Based Perioperative Practice, of the Seal award. “The AORN Seal of Recognition is significant to the perioperative community as a trusted symbol representing excellence in training, information and support.”

The key is the Z-Fold which guards the perforation at its center. To remove the Sterile-Z Back Table Cover, two surgical team members unfold the “Z” and separate the cover at its perforation, allowing the cover to easily glide over instruments without making contact with a non-sterile edge. Simple and easy to use, the Sterile-Z back table cover can be set up in less than 10 seconds.

“The initial response to this product has been very encouraging,” said John Lochner, Sales Manager, CFI Medical. “With the addition of Sterile-Z, we offer an even broader choice of unique solutions for preventing sterile field breaches and protecting patients against infection.”

“CFI Medical is honored for the recognition that AORN has given to this new technology. We are looking forward to expanding this concept to other sterile draping applications,” said Mike Czop, President, CFI Medical.